[1]Creating spaces for all your important documents clears the piles and clutter keeping you from making progress. I know it is easier said than done. I get it. But the freedom from rising above the paper clutter feels like a heavy weight lifted from your shoulders. Want that freedom? Then, let’s organize.
Maintaining a workable filing system requires trial and error. The key is workable, and what works for me will not necessarily work for you. Just keep in mind that making adjustments to better serve your needs is always better than following my system exactly.
In our document organization journey thus far, we have designated a home for personal and current items in Box 1 [2], our insurance paperwork in Box 2 [3], and now focus on retirement and investment records in Box 3. The filing system I have chosen houses our records in 3 blue accordion files.
Having written overviews for Box 1 [2] and Box 2 [3], I wanted to continue this series with an overview of Box 3. This third accordion file consists of 12 file openings. The following list indicates the categories and the number of file openings dedicated to each category in my file:
File Box 3
- Social Security Documents (1)
- Retirement Plan Documents (2)
- Investment Documents (2)
- Estate Planning Documents (5)
- Tax Records Documents (1)
Using the labels provided with my accordion file, I simply write the category on the label and attach to first file opening of each category. To give you a visual image of this file box organization, I will post a show and tell of file box 3 next week.
As you continue organizing your important documents focus on a system that works for you. If the system looks great but remains disorganized or difficult to manage, then that system is not helping you in using time wisely. A workable system will save you time and energy as you organize. In using time wisely, get your system in place, and then go organize.
Keep going. If you are still working through Box 1 or Box 2 [4], then take a break as you need it. Then come back and keep filing your important documents into your workable system. I just want to help you find a system that works for you, keeps your documents safe, and offers you freedom from your paper clutter while using time wisely. Happy organizing!
Question: How does your important document organization differ from my accordion filing system [4]?